University of Delaware: Virtual Microscope

Example Web Site and/or Technical Equipment Required

Website: http://www.udel.edu/biology/ketcham/microscope/scope.html

Website Example: http://www.udel.edu/biology/ketcham/microscope/

Tech Product Equipment

Computer(s), Internet access, optional projector (for class presentation)

Activity Description

The virtual scope has all the same controls found on the real thing. Use it to simulate a real life lab in your High School program.

Preparation

1. Learn how to navigate the virtual microscope before showing it to your students.
2. Be sure that all computers that will be using the microscope have at least the Flash v.6 plugin. Later versions of Flash should be fine.

How-To

1. Demonstrate for the students how to use the microscope. The various controls are:
   1. turn knobs (click and hold on upper or lower portion of knob)
   2. throw switches (click and drag)
   3. turn dials (click and drag)
   4. move levers (click and drag)
   5. changes lenses (click and drag on objective housing)
   6. select a specimen (click on a slide)
   7. adjust oculars (in "through" view, with the light on, click and drag to move oculars closer or further apart)
2. There are 4 different slides for the students to view.

Teacher Tips

If you have a computer lab in your school, each student could use a Virtual Microscope just like if they were in a real science lab. This is a good alternative for an adult school setting.

Select subjects and subcategories

Science

• Biology
• General Science
• Health and Life Science